Ramadan is a special time of year for Muslims all over the world. It's a month of fasting, reflection, and spiritual renewal, and it's also a time for coming together with family and friends to break the fast and share meals. Food plays a central role in the observance of Ramadan, with special dishes and recipes that are prepared to celebrate the season.
In this food blog post, we'll be exploring some delicious and traditional Ramadan recipes that are sure to delight your taste buds and bring some festive spirit to your table. From savory mains to sweet desserts, these recipes are perfect for sharing with loved ones and celebrating the joy of Ramadan. So, whether you're observing the fast or simply looking to explore some new and delicious cuisine, join us as we dive into the world of Ramadan recipes!
What is Ramadan and Why is it Important for Middle Eastern Cultures?
Ramadan is the ninth and holiest month in the Islamic calendar. It is an important time of spiritual reflection, self-improvement, and increased devotion to God.
During this holy month, Muslims worldwide fast and abstain from food, drink, smoking and other physical pleasures during sunlight hours. Special foods and dishes are prepared, and mosques and homes are decorated with colorful lights and lanterns.
Ramadan is deeply rooted in Middle Eastern cultures and its traditions have been passed down through generations. it offers a unique opportunity for people of all faiths to come together to share in the values of community, charity, and spiritual reflection. Through these shared experiences, Ramadan serves as a unifying force that brings people from different backgrounds and beliefs closer together.
Fattoush Salad
Hands down, everyone’s absolute favorite. Filled with fresh vegetables, tossed with a lemony vinaigrette, and topped with crispy fried pita.
Kachumber Salad
This Kachumber Salad Recipe is the Pakistani version of Pico De Gallo. A simple, light and refreshing salad.
Khyar Bi Laban (Cucumber Yogurt Salad )
Made with simple ingredients, this cucumber and yogurt salad comes together in no time and can be served as an appetizer, a light meal with pita bread or a side dish along grilled meats such as Kafta Kebabs or Chicken Shawarma.
Tabouleh Salad
A fresh and vibrant Levantine salad that bursts with flavor in every bite. The dish is made with finely chopped parsley, juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumber, and tangy lemon juice, and is seasoned with fragrant mint and zesty onions. Each spoonful is a refreshing explosion of taste, making it the perfect side dish or light meal for any occasion.
Hummus
Hummus has become so popular in the US in the last few years. It’s available in so many stores. Yet the authentic taste of hummus we grew up eating differs from what’s in your average grocery store.
Imshaat (Cauliflower Fritters)
Perfectly fluffy and packed with fresh herbs and cumin. Serve them as an appetizer or snack with a squeeze of lemon juice or mint yogurt!
Get Suzy’s Recipe Here
Roasted Garlic Labaneh (Garlic Yogurt Dip)
Pairing the deep taste of garlic in this labneh recipe creates the perfect partnership.
Muhammara
A dip that fills your mouth with texture and flavor; muhammarah is must in your mezze spread.
Halloumi Fries
This recipe is a twist on the traditional, a snack that can be enjoyed on its own or as an appetizer.
Adasi (Persian Lentil Soup)
A healthy and filling vegan lentil soup booming with Middle Eastern spices and flavors. A great soup for those days when we all need a bit of soul-warming.
Mutabal (Eggplant Dip)
A simple rustic Middle Eastern eggplant dip with smoky fresh flavors. A perfect dip/appetizer that goes very well with veggie stick or toasted pita wedges.
Cheesy Garlic Bread
What would be better than melted cheesy garlic bread from the oven!
Get Hadia’s Recipe Here
Sfeeha (Meat Pies)
Sfeeha are what meat pie dreams are made of. Tiny little bitesize morsels of savoury yumminess. That's the only way to describe these Levant delicacies.
Fatayer (Spinach Pies)
A vegan twist to an age-old recipe, these fatayers are made with just a few simple ingredients for the stuffing.
Batata Harra (Spicy Potatoes)
If you’re looking for a melt in your mouth potatoes tossed in spice, garlic, and cilantro, look no further!
Falafel
Falafel is a Middle Eastern delicacy that is loved by people all over the world. Made from ground chickpeas and aromatic herbs and spices, the falafel is fried to a perfect crispy exterior, while retaining a tender and moist interior. Served hot and fresh, falafel is a mouth-watering treat that is perfect for dipping into creamy tahini sauce or stuffing into warm pita bread.
Ouzi Rice
Ouzi is a classic Arab meal that is known to have peas, carrots, lamb, or beef with well-seasoned rice.
Nasi Goreng (Indonesian Fried Rice)
Nasi goreng/fried rice is a popular dish in Southeast Asia. This recipe is an Indonesian version of fried rice served with fried egg.
Chapli Kabab
Chapli kabab are thin ground beef patties made with aromatics and spices. Unlike your usual grilled kebabs, Chapli Kabab are fried so they’re browned on the outside and tender on the inside.
Chicken Kafta
When it comes to grilling, we are definitely more partial to Middle Eastern style grilling. It’s perfect for grilling outdoors or on a grill pan and is so full of flavor.
Fasoolia Baida (White Bean Stew)
This hearty and rich authentic Middle Eastern stew is made with white beans in a meaty tomato sauce, seasoned with all those good Middle Eastern spices. Fasoolia Baida is a complete comfort food, filling stick to your ribs and just delicious!
Malfouf (Stuffed Cabbage Rolls)
Malfouf is much easier to prepare than stuffed grape leaves or zucchini (kousa mahshi) as the leaves are larger and quicker to roll up.
Bamia (Okra Stew)
If you're from the Middle East, chances are you grew up on this classic okra stew, served with a big plate of rice. In Arabic, Okra is called "Bamia" or "Bamya" and it's very common in many households.
Kibbeh in Yogurt Sauce
Kibbeh bi laban, or kibbeh labanieh, is kibbeh balls in yogurt. It's Lebanese comfort food at its best: think unstuffed kibbeh balls cooked in a warm dried mint yogurt sauce that has a delicious tangy flavor to it.
Mujadara (Lentils and Rice)
Mujadara Lentils and Spiced Rice is an ultimate comfort dish full of savory flavors and different textures in one mouthful. It is a perfect vegan meal that will satisfy your deepest food cravings.
Koshary
Koshari (also spelled kushari and koshary) is the national dish of Egypt made with brown lentil rice, spicy tomato sauce, pasta, and crispy onions. It's popular Egyptian street food, and it hits the spot. This Egyptian koshari recipe is a family recipe.
Chicken Biryani
Hyderabadi chicken biryani is an aromatic, mouth watering and authentic Indian dish with succulent chicken in layers of fluffy rice, fragrant spices and fried onions. It is easier than most recipes while retaining the original taste and presented step by step.
Kleicha (Date Cookies)
The homemade date filling in these cookies has the perfect blend of light aromatic spices that take its flavor to the next level. With a delicious ghee-based dough, they’ll melt in your mouth as soon as you put them in!
Qatayef
This dessert is an airy and slightly sweet middle eastern dessert stuffed with cheese and drizzled with sugar syrup (ater) and crushed pistachios.
Namoura (Semolina Cake)
Whether you call it Namoura, Basbousa, or just Semolina cake, this recipe will delight. Made with semolina flour and almonds and topped with simple syrup.
Umm Ali (Bread Pudding)
Umm Ali, literally the mother of Ali, is perhaps one of Egypt’s most favored desserts. Easy-to-make and economical, Umm Ali dates back to the Ayyubid dynasty.
Knafeh
Sweet, rich, crunchy and creamy, Kunafeh or Knafeh can be found in regions that used to be occupied by the Ottoman Empire. This sweet pastry is the Middle Eastern version of the cheese cake.
Fakhfakhina (Fruit Salad)
Fakhfakhina is a glorious fruit salad with several additions and toppings. It is basically referred to as the “mother of all fruit salads.”
Bastani Icecream
Originally Persian, Bastani is a Middle Eastern ice cream. Made from eggs, sugar, rosewater, vanilla, pistachio, milk and saffron, bastani has a sorbet feel.
May it be a month full of countless blessings and satisfied tummies.
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For more Ramadan content, check out our other blog posts 30 day Ramadan activity list for kids and 10 Books to Read With Your Kids During Ramadan.
Wishing you and your loved ones Ramadan Mubarak!
The Rumaneh Team